The Queen of Flanders

In celebration of our fifteenth year of magic, Madame Zingara presents The Celebration, our biggest production yet. Thirty five electrifying artists from around the world unite to push the boundaries of dinner cirque theatre, housed in the world’s largest mirror tent, the magnificent “Queen of Flanders.” This is Madame Zingara like you’ve never seen before!

Bombay Bicycle Club

High up on the Kloof Street hills, this quirky, bohemian jewel is best loved by those who revel in a dining experience with no holds barred. A favourite venue for celebrations of all kinds, the Bombay is renowned for brilliant food, funky tunes and tequila shots all round - inviting guests to stay up way past their bed times.

Sidewalk Cafè

This Vredehoek institution, where friends meet, lovers hold hands and families get together for those special catch up times. With its inviting, rustic beach house feel, The Sidewalk is all about divine service, delicious cafe fare and happy memories - looking into the future with love.

White Rabbit Wash House

Transforming the mundane, this edgy community wash house is strictly for dirty laundry only! It’s designed to give urban dwellers a cost effective funky solution to all that boring stuff called laundry.

Cafè Mozart

This city gem has been welcoming guests for over 30 years. With tables spilling out onto the shaded walkway and the Church Street antique market, a constant buzz, Café Mozart is the perfect place to relax and watch the city go by. With its laid back Parisian ambience, breakfast at this Cape Town institution could easily turn into a lazy lunch.

Tinapo

This party palace or Aladdin’s cave is filled beyond the brims – think Pandora’s box, and then think again. This insane party store is a shoppers dream with riotous colour, inter- leading spaces and funky tunes afoot. A fascinating array of sparkling accessories, quirky gifts and imaginative party gear makes this a true retail adventure.

Cafè Paradiso

Established almost three decades ago, Cafè Paradiso is a home from home which celebrates long-held traditions and family values; where enticing aromas emanate from the bakery long before dawn and the pasta machine is hard at work all day. A place called Paradise in a city we love to call home.

Cafè Manhattan

In the heart of trendy de Waterkant, this iconic meeting spot is the longest standing gay mixed venue in South Africa. A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, whether your intention is a quick bite to eat, a cheeky afternoon drink, or a late night rendezvous, at this welcoming venue anything could happen... Saddle up and take a ride!

Company's Garden Restaurant

In the heart of the Mother city lies South Africa’s first garden. This creative is built for children, families and visitors alike and is inspired by the breath-taking nature and the deeply Historical setting which offers a heart point of peace within an urban metropolis. This daytime venue and amazing function venue by night aims to please and enrich the guest with stories of the past and eco conscious design of the future.

Madame Zingara is a group of companies, working within the hospitality and entertainment sector in South Africa. Based in the beautiful Mother City, we’ve lovingly restored iconic eateries and have spread the hippy magic to the rest of South Africa with our traveling dinner-cirque spectacular – the Theatre of Dreams.

We are a family-style business placing high emphasis on service excellence and capacity building for all our team. From late night revelry to sedate lunches under the trees, there is truly something for every mood and every celebration.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our unique dining experiences.

It all began on a chilly Cape Town winter’s night in May 2001 when, tentatively and without expectation, we opened the doors of our first restaurant in Loop Street - Madame Zingara. The 13 years that followed have been a roller-coaster ride of great successes, and at times, great loss, yet each hurdle conquered has given us the courage to do more, and in turn, be more.

Financed through immense hard work and dedication, we are incredibly proud to have created a company that thrives on doing good. With a passion for our staff and the happiness of our valued clients being at the heart of everything we do, we have built and rebuilt and reinvented ourselves a hundred times over.

With our foundations wholly based on doing the best for people, we strive to be strong enough at our core to take risks, push boundaries and, as a result, create unforgettable magic.

At Madame Zingara our targets are solely based on recruitment, with our 2016 goal being to employ over 1000 staff. This vision is in order to create a sustainable platform to encourage all our people to achieve tertiary education and pursue their own special dreams, while sharing and helping ours.

We are constantly on the lookout for talent. Not just the kind of talent that requires you to do backflips mid-air, while blowing bubbles from your belly button and singing the National Anthem at the same time, but talent that comes in all its many forms. Our staff is at the core of all that we do, which is why we invest time and tons of energy into ensuring they can be the best version of themselves, in whatever journey they decide to choose.

As a company we strive to create an inclusive environment that inspires and encourages growth.

After many years of listening and understanding staff needs, we are now able to provide full turnkey education solutions that work in conjunction with full time employment. It is our vision to offer a full spectrum of free education programmes assisting 50% of our employees by the end of 2015. With the success of our heart centre and future leaders programmes, we have demonstrated how with the correct foundations any person can achieve greatness.

All our degrees are activated through our partnership with CATHSSETA South Africa and a multitude of top educational institutions around South Africa. From learning how to read and write to higher education programmes, culinary courses and MBAs, no matter your walk of life, there is an opportunity for you to shine. We at Madame Zingara not only believe in you, but will stand by you every step of the way.

All we require in return is a real commitment and a willingness to put in the time and effort necessary to meet your true potential. We expect you to treat every single guest and every single plate of food with love, as if it wasn’t for our incredible clientele we wouldn’t be able to share this amazing gift with you.

We are a creative company that builds content for many vendors around South Africa, specializing in old-name businesses and creating new. Working exclusively in the hospitality, retail and entertainment sectors, all our work is carried out for shareholders and JV partners alike. With astute reporting facilities, all parties get to enjoy daily feedback and access to all figures, financial and operational reports. Currently we employ just over 480 full-time staff and are consistently reinventing ourselves along the way.

Our operation aspires to do good in our industry and create platforms for education to stimulate social change with our internal targets being based wholly on employment equity and access to free education. We enjoy working for others and have proven this model to be highly successful over the last 15 years.

We want to help and we want to grow. If we can find synergy together, we are always open to exploring new ideas, concepts and adventures.

For time with our Managing Director, Art Department and Creative team, please send an email to md@madamezingara.com

Top award winning entertainment to wow SA in Madame Zingara’s The Celebration, presented in the world’s biggest mirrored palace!

Madame Zingara's highly anticipated spectacular new production, The Celebration, opens next month! The season begins on 7 July 2015 on Cape Town's Grand Parade and thereafter transfers to Montecasino in Johannesburg for the festive season.

An unforgettable and invigorating sensory experience awaits in the world's largest mirrored palace. After fourteen months of pre-production, the mind blowing show is expected to push the boundaries of dinner cirque theatre. The electrifying entertainment line up will be exceptional as the Theatre of Dreams pulls out all the stops and commemorates 15 years of Madame Zingara magic, once again pushing boundaries and achieving the unthinkable.

Directed by Richard Griffin, the founder of Madame Zingara and the creative genius behind the iconic brand, The Celebration production showcases performers from 11 countries and SA, including solo Cirque du Soleil aerial pole artist Saulo Sarmiento from Spain, the acrobatic Diabolo Girls from China, a slick Quick Change duo from South Africa and Argentina, a Ukrainian hand balance and contortion trio, a Korean teeter board act, the sensational singing quartet The Specifics, and so much more. The uber glam aviation goddess Cathy Specific, has touched down after travelling the world for two years, and returns in fine style to once again strut her stuff as theMC, bedecked in jewels and resplendent in gorgeous gowns.

Mind blowing pyrotechnics, advanced digital sound, intelligent lighting and a hot air balloon have also been added to the theatrics, taking the production to incredible new heights. Gearhouse Group, South Africa's leading technical supplier, has partnered with Madame Zingara and the company's involvement will further enhance the truly spectacular Celebration production that will hold audiences spellbound. Gastronomes will be equally delighted by a new mouth-watering four course menu, overseen by top Madame Zingara chefs Heinrich Koen and Linda Beuken.

The Queen of Flanders is a three storey high 650 seater hand crafted mirrored palace, boasting upper level balconies, opulent interiors, and dripping with decadence. Built in Belgium by the acclaimed tent master Rik Klessen and Family, it is the biggest of its kind in the world. Think 3200 mirrors, 6 tons of aluminium, 5.2 km of steel rods, 30 tons of galvanised steel, 70 000 floor screws, 1800m of velvet and 1200m of gold tassle, and you have an indication of the vast scale of the 12m high plush venue.

Lighting design is by Mannie Manim, choreography by Sam Kotze and Craig Leo, who is also responsible for stage design, the vocal arrangement is by Glenn Swart, and the senior wardrobe designer is Nikki Smuts.

The Celebration runs Tuesdays to Saturdays from 7 July to 26 September in Cape Town and at Montecasino in Johannesburg from 22 October to 31 December 2015. Arrival time is 18h30 with guests to be seated by 19h30 for the start of the show at 20h15. Tickets range from R650 to R1250 per person, which includes welcome drinks, canapes and the four course dinner. Booking is via 0861 623 263 or boxoffice@madamezingara.com. Advance booking is highly recommended. Please note the age restriction: 16+

Madame Zingara

Originally founded in 2001 by Richard Griffin, Madame Zingara was a capricious 80-seater restaurant nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre. It was well known for its outlandish glitter-dusted service and Richard’s whimsical culinary creations. Disaster struck in 2006 and the restaurant was burnt to the ground, Unable to rebuilt what was lost, the Zingara family fought back and so the Theatre of Dreams was born – an enthralling traveling dinner cirque extravaganza housed in one of the last remaining antique mirror tents in the world. Enjoying full houses in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, Madame Zingara transformed the concept of dining out in South Africa, earning many accolades and awards along the way. Being a Cape Town based company, it seemed only right to put down roots and the Zingara Group has lovingly restored and resurrected landmark city restaurants. The Sidewalk Café, Café Mozart, Café Paradiso, The Bombay Bicycle Club, Café Manhattan and our latest endeavor The Company’s Garden restaurant are now all proudly part of the Zingara family.

The Theatre of Dreams

Madame Zingara’s Theatre of Dreams is a dinner cirque spectacular which has been thrilling audiences in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban since early 2007. Based on the traditional Mirror tents of Europe, the innovative Theatre of Dreams has completely transformed the concept of dining out in South Africa, earning them many accolades for their interpretation of ‘dinner theatre.’ Offering a multi-sensory experience, which transcends the boundaries between audience, artists and staff, it is a unique synthesis of dining and entertainment where everything is possible and anything can happen.

Café Paradiso

Café Paradiso is the gentle tonic our daily lives forget. This stunning venue is about family values, long held traditions, warm welcoming hospitality and wholesome goodness. A beautiful garden setting with breathtaking mountain views, an inviting serene interior encourage relaxed, leisurely dining experiences and gentle celebrations. Fresh pasta is made on the premises and a farm-style bakery produces fresh breads and delicious treats daily.

Café Mozart

Nestled in the heart of the city on the Church Street antique market in the shade of beautiful old trees, this gorgeous eclectic café evokes a sense of history and genteel English traditions – gin and tonic, high tea and rolling countrysides. Here, guests relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the decades-old market while watching the city go by. Mozart is the perfect spot for breakfast, to rest weary feet after a long mornings shopping or to take advantage of the Wi-Fi and get some work done in tranquil surroundings.

Café Manhattan

The Madame Zingara stable has restored this lively eatery to industrial chic, with a splash of the Wild West and just a hint of mischief. This iconic eating, meeting and chilling spot is the longest standing venue in the heart of de Waterkant village and has been a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Whether your intention is a quick bite to eat, a cheeky afternoon cocktail on the terrace, or a late night rendezvous in the bar, at this welcoming venue anything could happen... Saddle up and take a ride!

The Sidewalk Cafe

This much-loved neighbourhood café offers guests a relaxing beach-house feel and sweeping views from the stadium to the harbour and beyond. Bright and sunny by day and warm and intimate by night, The Sidewalk Café has a wonderfully diverse clientele and many loyal regulars. Perfect for lazy breakfasts, leisurely lunches, sundowners or romantic dinners, this charming venue is disarmingly casual with just a dollop of sophistication.

The Bombay Bicycle Club

The Bombay is a representation of Madame Zingara’s colourful history and an expression of their eclectic past in Loop street; a wacky bohemian venue where guests are encouraged to let their hair down - and expected to stay up way past bed time. Especially loved by those who revel in a dining experience as opposed to simply a meal out, The Bombay is also ideally suited for celebrations of all kinds. The warm, festive ambience is impossible to resist and the wonderfully friendly staff are known for their vibrant service.

This is Not a Post Office

An Aladdin’s cave filled to the brim, this whimsical store is a shoppers dream. Riotous colour, inter-leading spaces to explore, funky tunes and a fascinating array of sparkling accessories, quirky gifts and imaginative party gear make this a true retail adventure. It is also the ultimate one-stop party shop, where a creative team will assist with everything needed for a true Zingara-style celebration.

Bombay Bicycle Club

Cafe Mozart

Manhattan

Cafe Paradiso

Sidewalk Cafe

Theatre of Dreams

Tinapo

White Rabbit Wash House

The Madame loves being in the spotlight so here are a few recent media clippings. Please click on the image to enlarge.

We love what we do and are also passionate about letting others know what were about so if you have any media related queries, please do get in touch via the contact form below. Our PR & Media Liaison will gladly assist you.

At Madame Zingara our targets are solely based on recruitment, with our 2016 goal being to employ over 1000 staff. We’ve started work on this vision in order to create a sustainable platform to encourage all our people to achieve tertiary education and pursue their own special dreams, while sharing and helping ours.

We are constantly on the lookout for talent. Not just the kind of talent that requires you to do backflips mid-air, while blowing bubbles from your belly button and singing the National Anthem at the same time, but talent that comes in all its many forms. Our staff are of utmost importance to us, which is why we invest a lot of time and tons of energy into ensuring they can be the best version of themselves, in whatever journey they decide to choose.